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Aspen needs Marilyn

Dear Editor:

I have been wishing for some time that a person would step forward, run for mayor of Aspen, and lead the City Council toward more logical and prudent decisions. To my surprise, someone with those abilities has stepped forward: Marilyn Marks.

So many people I have talked to wish her well and are 100 percent behind her. From conversations we have had, I have found Marilyn to have a passion for Aspen and the valley with a desire to be a part of its continuation as one of the most fabulous areas of the country. She is for businesses, the working person, creating job opportunities and the outdoors. Contrary to what some have suggested, she is committed to the democratic process and, rather than being driven by an ideology, very eager to carry out the desires of local residents.



The first meeting I had with Ms. Marks was during the furor over Ordinance 30, the “emergency” ordinance that supposedly would have retained the “historic properties” within Aspen. Its greatest negative impact was on the longtime home-owning local citizens with more modest homes. It became evident that the proposal was really one that would allow property owners to retain ownership in their houses or buildings, while having the value stolen from them. It was a form of eminent domain without compensation. Her home was not threatened, but she fought tirelessly against this injustice on behalf of others, merely because she felt that it was wrong. Many a longtime local who owns a modest home has primarily Marilyn to thank for fighting the six-month-long battle. Her efforts have placed that ill-conceived concept on ice … at least for the moment.

Marilyn Marks deserves to be mayor of Aspen because she has the drive and the intellect to help the city prosper financially and environmentally. Aspen needs her desperately.




Ron Harris

Aspen